Ateneo Law School’s Aid Upon Admission program expands access and opportunities for incoming students

The Ateneo de Manila University School of Law has ushered in the steady growth and increasing reach of its Aid Upon Admission (AUA) program, a financial assistance initiative designed to support promising applicants even before they formally confirm enrollment. The program’s statistics over the past five academic years highlight both increasing demand and a more responsive aid process tailored to the needs of incoming law students.

Launched as a pilot in Academic Year (AY) 2021–2022, the AUA program marked a significant policy shift for Ateneo Law. Historically, financial assistance was extended only to students who had completed at least one year of law school. AUA reversed that model, allowing aid applications and decisions to be made at the time of law school admissions.

Since its pilot year in AY 2021–2022, AUA has grown substantially. Applications increased by approximately 143%. In that same period, the number of applicants receiving grants has also increased, with the program awarding both full and partial grants based on financial need and merit.

Beginning AY 2024–2025, Ateneo Law implemented a significant change to the application process: financial aid decisions are now made and communicated before applicants confirm their intention to enroll. This adjustment was made to ensure that admitted students have timely and transparent information when making a final decision to join the Ateneo Law School community. That year, 77% of the accepted applicants were awarded AUA grants. 

For the incoming AY, while there was an 8% increase year-over-year in applications, Ateneo Law still managed to increase the rate of grants awarded to 83%. Dean Jose Maria G Hofileña will welcome the latest batch of AUA grantees with a dinner in July.

“In today’s legal education landscape, we recognize that both academic potential and financial circumstances must be part of the admissions conversation,” said the Financial Aid Committee. “We want to ensure that the most qualified and committed applicants can choose Ateneo without financial uncertainty being a barrier.”

Most grants awarded have been partial grants, allowing the program to assist a greater number of students. Full grants remain available for the most financially constrained applicants with promise.

The AUA program is part of the law school’s broader commitment to access, equity, and excellence. It complements longstanding financial aid offerings available to upper-year students and is supported by donations from firms, corporations, foundations, and alumni, as well as internal university funding.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the AUA program details when preparing their law school applications. Aid decisions are based on a comprehensive review of both need and potential.

For further information about the AUA program, eligibility criteria, and upcoming application cycles, please visit http://go.ateneo.edu/lawfinaidprogram.